Personally, I have 2. One is read everything about your benefits at every job. Even if you think you can’t afford it, if an employer offers 401K matching, contribute up to their match. Otherwise, you’re leaving money on the table.

Second is, you’ve gotten through every financial obstacle you’ve faced so far. Save to prevent obstacles, but worry less about, “How will it all work out?”

if you keep your money in a bank account you are literally losing money as deflation and inflation take their natural trajectory. You have to make your money work hard for you. compound interest is your moneys best friend.

Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks

don’t take credit (mortgages excepted) period. If you cant afford it don’t buy it

I love this topic, it’s a good exercise to consciously think retrospectively, and then apply from today going forwards, not just when it comes to life.

I’ve lost and made money on investments over the years, a mixed bag. Some thoughts that immediately spring to mind;

research is key obviously, where I have won it has been where I have read extensively on the subject and have a solid to expert understanding. The old adage ‘never invest in what you don’t understand’ certainly rings true. Where I have made impulsive decisions, or have been ‘sold’ investments they have inevitably back fired. If it feels too good to be true, it usually is.

Knowledge gives your the power to anticipate the future, by understanding the underlying fundamentals it gives you better insight to what will likely happen and ‘get ahead of the curve’. If you are coming in to an investment opportunity late and once it has become mainstream then you have missed the boat. Those that came into buy to let property, crypto, gold etc. before the booms happened made money, those that came in once that knowledge became mainstream loose. If the man in the pub starts to tell you about Bitcoin, you know it’s time to sell:’) So when I’m thinking about investment opportunities I always think what are the emerging growth opportunities over next 5 and 10 years and get in position well ahead, then enjoy the ride. So timing is key.

I’m echoing some of the above comments above, but I would advocate getting rid of all debt first before investing (mortgages aside which are arguably ‘good debt’ since against an asset), avoid consumer credit as always v expensive and once in high debt very hard to get out, it’s designed that way!

Max out on tax free govt. support initiatives, so in the UK that would be ISAs. And if a company is matching on pensions, then maximise your contributions to enjoy the benefit of that (this one I didn’t do and now regret!)

Diversification is key, obvious point but so many people miss it. Again, another one I didn’t learn until later in life and wish had done when I was younger. I put everything I could into property when I was younger and then 2008 hit, ouch! Not only across asset classes, but geographies too…

compound interest is key and can only be achieved by income generating asset classes e.g. dividends on stocks. Also, be aware of fees and exactly what paying for, over time they can significantly eat into your returns

always take account of inflation in your country i.e. what is the real rate of return

I think (particularly with property but also applies to other investments I guess) once you have an idea of value of your asset always try to be in a position to sell on your terms. When 2008 hit many people list money because they HAD to sell. The people that rode it out and sold after or, better still, bought during the dip, made money.

This whole discussion also begs follow up questions. For example, how would you communicate your advice to your younger self? I’m considering some follow-up discussions to continue fleshing out the advice we’re generating. Stay tuned!

Don’t spend frivolously (sorry guys, that includes Lambos)
How to communicate advice to yourself: make your list, refer back to it often until it becomes a habit. Check yourself every 6 months to see that you are still on track with your list. Make any necessary adjustments.

How to communicate this advice to a younger me?
Knowing how unlikely I was to listen to any kind of advice from anyone as a young man I’d probably have to use water boarding or some other kind of torture